c.  

I feel like I'd like to start looking at more deals in different markets, as I'd like to make a purchase before the end of the year, but I need to feel confident about the following: (a) understand what returns I should be shooting for(b) have a fast 10-min evaluation system to make initial, high-level assessments of the deals(c) have a more in-depth evaluation method if it passes the sniff test. 

You are exactly right on your observations with Class C having problems, homes built in 1900s are over 100 years old even though they're "renovated".

If you go this route, i would make sure you a) screen tenants carefully, b) strategically budget for maintenance and be proactive, and c) have a reliable team to that you can call on quickly Let me know if this was helpful.

Quote from @Andrew C.: Have agreed on terms on a hard money loan to an investor I know well.

Hey @Isabel Chaves, welcome to the site!

Echoing what @Major Robertson and @David C. have stated, you get what you pay for and there are a lot of "scams" (better yet, "under-qualified people, over-promising results").

Shawn C. have you listen to the biggerpockets podcast ?

The point to all of this (to me) is to A)Build up enough independent income such that you're largely immune from needing "a job", B)Have enough money such that you can provide some security for your family,C)Have enough money so that you can provide funds to things important to you (charity, church, etc),D)Have enough money so that you can enjoy things in life that genuinely make you happy.If you are all the way down to D, then I personally don't see what is wrong with it.

B or C?